Recently I have spent more and more time attempting to put things into perspective. It can be so easy to get caught up in small problems in our own lives instead of realizing how lucky we are.
I really enjoy checking out HONY everyday (if you don’t know about Humans of New York you must visit the site right now!) and was struck by this post about 9/11. My father was working on the floor of New York Stock Exchange at the time and was so near to the towers on that fateful day. Sometimes I forget how truly blessed my family is that he was safe. This made me start to think about how fortunate I am in all areas of my life.
Although you may have worries about finances or schoolwork or friendships, it is important to take a step back and evaluate the situation for what it really is. When you hear about two year olds dying from cancer or innocent people being killed in political struggles, it should serve as a reminder that you are so lucky. I have been trying to have this same feeling all of the time, even when things in my life do not seem to be working out (which is when it is most difficult to feel fortunate!).
If we are able to have gratitude, despite unpleasing (or even grim) situations, then we can become the masters of our happiness. The next time you find yourself feeling as though everything is wrong, take a moment to list five things in your life you are grateful for. Looking at this will help to motivate you to push through and know that it is never as bad as it seems.
What do you do to put things in perspective?
-AJF
This is so true!